Nevada County picayune., 1887-09-22


 of action. l had arrived at this buried conclusion when the cur. rent of my thoughts was interrupt- ed by the rntiian Caston, who in a low, coarse, husky tone, replied to the beautiful demon who had just spoken:
 "I should ha' done the the work Miss Clara, but another customer was down the path a little before lem, that lost sight on somewhere 1 hereabouts. That's how it is; but there is plenty of time yet. It is not late, and a chance may offer before she leaves. If 1 could catch her alone for single moment all would be right; for, let me tell you, it's no easy matter when two on 'em's together to do the job clean"
 "I must return to the party now, else my absense may attract at tention," rejolned Clara. "Tor- mrnted with strange forebodings, seized this cloak and managed to approach this point unobserv. ed. It was incautiOus, but could not withstand the fearful tempta- ton. They will return this way, and, if they should be alone, strikel All IS ready for your escape, and no suspicion can attach to me, as am one of the guests. and as have been on apparently quite friendly terms with this destroyer of my peace during the whole evening. l you are unable to avenge me to- night, I shall be at the cottage of the gardener to morrow forenoon. must now away"
 Once more the entrance of the arbor was darkened by the two figures that of the lady quickly disappearing, while Caston re. mained.
 On finding himself alone, the william removed his hat for d mo- ment, disclosing d low, retreating forehead. and face the most re- pulsive, which he began to mop with red pocket handkerchief.
 This latter accomplished, he drew from his bosom long, shin ing knife or blade, which flashed for an instant in the moon, and then stepping aside, he concealed himself among the foliage, as if to wait the reappeagance of his in- tended victim.
 was, as might be presumed, in a state of the most dreadful ex citement and alarm, for here l was in secluded part of the grounds, with au assassin within few feet of me medtating terrible deed and not knowing at what instant he might dart out and plant his deadly weapon in the heart of Miss L-once she passed the entrance of the arbor.
 My hope of escape was cut oil completely, for it was impossible for me to work my way through the dense sides of the retreat with out q noise that would lead to my discovery. So l kept my eyes fastened steadily on the opening, determined when heard the ap- preaching footsteps of my friend and his companion. to burst forth from my concealment and apprlsc them of their danger.
 This decided upon, without q moments hesitation, l cautiously sank on one knee and began to take off my shoes, which, although very light, would still make con- siderable noise on the gravel. had removed one of them, and was about to relieve myself of the otl'. CT. when my hand touched some thing cold that was lying on the ground. l grasped it noislessly, and found it to be a short crow bar, that had, supposed been used in removing stone from the walks.
 I was now armed, and, regain ing my feet, l stood divested of my shoes, determined to cope with the murderer when the moment ar rived.
 was not kept long in suspense for scarcely had I stood erect with the crow bar in my hand, when ths silvery laugh of Florence and the gay voice of Frederick fell upon my ear. There was a slight rust ling among tine leaves near the ell trance of the arbor, and l observ- ed Caston cautiously peerine
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